2025 High-Level Political Forum with the TAP Network

TAP's Key Messages at the 2025 HLPF

The SDGs are off track—and civic space is under attack: Progress across the goals has stalled or even regressed in many areas. A key but often overlooked driver of this inaction is the closing of civic space. When people and communities are denied their right to organize, speak out, and participate in decision-making, development becomes top-down, exclusionary, and ineffective.

Anti-democratic trends are a threat to peace and development: We are witnessing an alarming rise in authoritarianism, disinformation, and attacks on democratic institutions. This is not just a political crisis, it is a development crisis. These anti-democratic trends are shrinking civic space, stifling dissent, and undermining trust and participation needed for peaceful, inclusive societies.

Grassroots civil society needs urgent and sustained support: Many local and grassroots organizations are operating in increasingly hostile environments while also facing massive financial strain due to aid cuts and shifting donor priorities. These organizations are closest to the ground and best positioned to address local needs, but they are often the least funded and most at risk. Resourcing grassroots civil society is an urgently needed investment in building resilient, equitable, and just societies.

Strengthening civil society strengthens development: Civic actors are watchdogs, service providers, advocates, and peacebuilders. They monitor public institutions, fight corruption, empower communities, and drive innovation. Countries that protect and enable civic space are more likely to achieve development outcomes across all SDGs, from gender equality and public health to access to justice and climate action.